Jaipur to Shekhawati (Mandawa)
Your options
Ways to make the journey
3.5 h
The road runs north-west from Jaipur through Chomu and Sikar, then on smaller roads to Nawalgarh and Mandawa. A detour to Samode adds about an hour with lunch. We often stop at Nawalgarh for the Podar Haveli on the way in, and arrive in Mandawa for the late-afternoon light.
3–4 h
Trains run from Jaipur to Sikar, Nawalgarh and Jhunjhunu. Services are limited, and most guests prefer the flexibility of a car to move between the painted towns. Check current timetables before you travel.
Worth a stop
- Samode Palace
- Nawalgarh
- Sikar
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far is Mandawa from Jaipur
About 170 km, 3.5 hours by car via Sikar. With a lunch stop at Samode or a visit to Nawalgarh, allow 5–6 hours. The road runs north-west through Chomu and Sikar, then on smaller roads to Nawalgarh and Mandawa. A detour to Samode adds about an hour with lunch. We often stop at Nawalgarh for the Podar Haveli and arrive in Mandawa for the late-afternoon light.
Can I visit Shekhawati as a day trip from Jaipur
It is a long day, with 7 hours of driving, and you would see only one or two towns. We recommend at least one night, ideally two. Mandawa is about 170 km, 3.5 hours each way via Sikar. With a night or two, we stop at Samode or Nawalgarh on the way in, reach Mandawa for the late-afternoon light, and walk the painted havelis the next morning before moving on.
Is there a train to Shekhawati
Yes, to Sikar, Nawalgarh and Jhunjhunu, but services are limited and the towns are spread out. A car is more practical for touring the havelis. With a car, we can stop at Samode for lunch, see the Podar Haveli at Nawalgarh and move between the painted towns at your pace. Trains suit only guests with flexible plans. Timetables change, so check current status before you travel.
What is the best route from Jaipur to Shekhawati
Via Samode and Sikar to Nawalgarh, then Mandawa. This lets you see Samode Palace and the Podar Haveli on the way. The road runs north-west from Jaipur through Chomu and Sikar, with a short detour to Samode. About 170 km in all, it takes 3.5 hours without stops. With lunch at Samode and the painted Durbar Hall, allow 5–6 hours and arrive in Mandawa for the late-afternoon light.